After five months of war with Iran, America is winning most battles, but the question is if we are winning the war.

The US military has done a great job. American air and naval power have hurt Iran's military a lot.

These are real tactical successes.

I've studied military strategy, and now Trump faces Iran's oldest trick.

But military history teaches us that winning battles does not always mean winning the war.

President Trump can now try to win the war by matching military power with a clear political plan.

The focus of the war is changing. At first, it was about hurting Iran's military and nuclear capabilities.

Iran has shown it can take a lot of damage and keep fighting. They are moving their forces, hiding them, and still launching missiles and drones.

There is talk again about changing the government in Iran as Trump says Tehran wants to meet.

The US campaign against Iran seems to think that if we destroy their leaders, the government will fall.

But Iran's government is strong because of its ideology and the support of its people.

The answer to if we are winning the war is not clear.

Every day, the US has a successful strike, but Iran keeps fighting.

Trump has said what Iran must do for the US to start fighting again.

For President Trump, the challenge now is to turn military wins into political wins.

President Trump's credibility, and America's, is becoming very important.

Public opinion should not decide military strategy, but leaders cannot keep fighting a costly war if people lose confidence.

Credibility is a valuable asset for America. It is earned when military action helps achieve clear goals.

The support of the American people is important.

A survey found that about two-thirds of Americans do not think the war is worth fighting.

In a democracy, what people think matters.

Public opinion should not decide military strategy, but if people lose confidence, it can affect the war.

America's allies are watching the war closely.

Israel is focused on its security, while other allies want protection for their energy and navigation.

China is studying America's strengths and weaknesses in the war.

China is learning how America fights and how it can be strong.

But China is also looking for America's limits.

Beijing may think that America can destroy targets but not easily win the war.

China could use these lessons in a fight over Taiwan.

Russia and North Korea are also studying America, but China has the most to gain.

Every month the US is busy in the Middle East, China gets stronger in the Indo-Pacific.

This should worry Americans because China is the biggest long-term challenge to US security.

None of this means America should give up.

President Trump should keep fighting and try to win the war with a clear plan.

President Trump can restore momentum by matching military power with a clear strategy.

First, he should define what he wants to achieve, like stopping Iran's nuclear program.

Second, he should be clear about what will trigger US strikes and what could lead to talks.

Third, he should keep Iran from getting to its nuclear sites without putting many US troops on the ground.

Fourth, he should get more countries to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

Finally, he should focus on the bigger picture and remember that China is America's main competitor.

American military power is strong, but it cannot alone make Iran give up.

President Trump's task is to define a clear goal and work with allies to achieve it.

History will judge presidents on if their military wins led to political results and a safer nation.

Robert Maginnis is a retired US Army officer and author who writes about national security.

He has written 14 books, including one about the global contest for AI supremacy and its implications for freedom.